Gov. Kulongoski announced a new partnership with Microsoft that will provide 16,875 vouchers for computer skills training.

The vouchers will allow eligible out of work Oregonians to participate in an online computer skills-building course.

“This public-private partnership will provide Oregonians with the opportunity to learn the skills needed for twenty-first century jobs,” said Kulongoski. “I would like to personally thank Microsoft for their generosity during this difficult time.”

Microsoft announced the “Elevate America” program at the National Governor’s Association Winter Conference in February 2009. The initiative is expected to provide up to 1 million vouchers nationwide for Microsoft e-Learning courses and select Microsoft certification exams at no or low cost to recipients.